Chapter 8—Insight

Castle

24MAY24—2145 HRS.

Elsa POV

I heard the click of the lock and the squeak of the lid as if it was groaning. After a minute a much needed "all clear" was sounded; to which we came out from our hiding spots. Curiosity got the better of me and forced a little extra speed into my step as I made my way to Hiccup. Upon looking in the box I noticed two small discs and a fired bullet. The look on Hiccup's face told me that whatever this meant was not good.

Toothless was the first to speak up "Hiccup what is that?" Hiccup seemed a little unsure himself, but the stare he was giving the bullet told a different story. "I'm not sure Toothless, but I think it's time we stop stalling and find out. He walked over to the TV I had sitting up on the wall and inserted the disc into the side.

The first thing to pop up on the screen was a man dressed in all black. He was sporting a chest length beard, dull lifeless eyes, and a mop of black hair. What scared me the most was the evil smile he was wearing. It could give the Joker a run for his money, and that's saying something. His skin had almost a greyish tint to it as if the man hadn't seen the sun in a long time. When he decided to speak his guttural voice only said one phrase. He said "hello Hiccup" and the smile seemed to stretch across his face from ear to ear.

Hiccup, along with the rest of the men, seemed to recognize this strange man who only addressed himself as 'Pitch'. A look at their faces told me that was not a good thing. So I posed my question, and Hiccup paused the video. "Hiccup, who's this Pitch character?" Hiccup pondered it for a second before replying. "He's a high ranking terrorist leader with suspicion that he may be the man overall in charge. He works with a rouge CIA operative who goes by the name Drago. These men are ruthless and will stop at nothing to get what they want. We've been hunting them for years alongside the British SAS. Remember the other group of people you met at your party?" He didn't wait for a response before continuing. "Well those men are here trying to gather intel on that man. He was rumored to be working in this region, but nothing had been confirmed…until now anyway."

He seemed like something else was on his mind, like there was something he's not telling me. I'll have to ask him about it later. Without hesitation he continued the video, and 'Pitch' once again began speaking. "In case you didn't notice the welcoming party I sent you, then let this be my official message. Welcome Hiccup, you and the rest of your insignificant team should enjoy your stay in Arendelle, while it still stands that is." A creepy laugh filled the air as he said that last statement. Hiccup only growled in response as Pitch continued. "But alas, you guys are not the apple of my eye this time around. In fact I've set my eyes on your little girlfriend there." Even with the severity of the message I couldn't help but blush a little. "Queen Elsa, you and your sister will become mine once I am finished with that little group of misfits you have protecting you."

I looked to Anna and could see the fear in her eyes, the same fear I know my eyes were reflecting. Instantly Hiccup paused the video and I looked to him. "Don't worry Elsa, I'm not going to let anything happen to you." I saw his eyes dart passed me, and I decided to look in that direction. I could see Anna wrapped up in Kristoff's arms as Hiccup just chuckled. "Seems like Anna is going to be just fine too." The atmosphere took a slightly softer air, and I could feel the fear slowly dissipate from me. "Let's see what else this monster has to say. Who knows maybe it'll give us some details as to where he is, then we could just cut off the head of the snake."

With a nod from Anna and myself, he continued on with the video. Another voice seemed to ring out in the video. This one though, had a thick accent almost as if he worked on a farm or ranch. Slowly the camera panned out a slight bit and revealed another man just as sinister as the first. This man had a thick black beard that went down to the middle of his chest. Accompanying the beard were many scars jutting all across his face, along with a missing left eye. The most significant thing was the fact that the man had no right arm, and seemed to be taken off at the shoulder. Once again the room took a sour air as all the men once again began scowling. Hiccup only uttered one word "Drago."

Once the mystery man was identified, the video was continued. Drago began to speak now "Hiccup….Hiccup…..Hiccup. I bet right now you're comforting the two ladies, saying things like 'I'll protect you' and 'you're in safe hands'. We'll lemme give you a heads up 'ladies' this man couldn't protect you from a paper cut. Hell, he couldn't even protect his only true friend." I glanced to Hiccup and noticed that seemed to sting him a bit. Not thinking I reached over and laced his hand in mine, and with a gentle squeeze I provided some much needed assurance. At first he stiffened up, but shortly relented and gave a gentle squeeze back. The returned affection made me blush, and I think I even saw a slight tint on his cheeks.

I had drowned out most of Drago's attempt to make the guys 'relive' the battle. When I finally brought my attention back to the video it seemed to be wrapping up. Drago made one last attempt to jibe at Hiccup. "Oh and Hiccup before I forget, how's the leg? Still get nightmares from those lovely 'playdates' we had?" What? This is the man who took Hiccup's leg?! I could see that there was some truth behind his words, and I could instantly feel the anger boil up inside me. Once again I could see the sting in his eyes, but I could also see something else there…was it fear?

Wait, what did he mean by playdates? I'll have to ask Hiccup later when we have some time alone. I could see the reference had taken a few people for a loop, it seems like only a select few know what happened to him in that time there. Once again I spaced out on what the video was saying and by the time I zoned back in it was over. I noticed the solemn air take over the room as it filled with an eerie silence. Shortly after Hiccup went into his "commander mode" as I dubbed it. He began issuing orders to his men to fortify the hole in the wall left by their last exploit. He also began ordering them to prepare their gear should another attack take place soon.

After a few minutes of that taking place he made his way over to me. "Elsa, I need to ask your permission for something." For a moment I was confused but responded anyway "sure Hiccup, what do you need?" "I want to train some of your more trustworthy men. We are going to need the extra support to help us. There is only a hand full of us and an army of them, I don't like those odds and want to even them." "That's a brilliant idea Hiccup, would you like me to compile a list of people?" "That's alright Elsa, I actually have been observing your men and have a few I would like to choose from. With your permission of course." "Alright, Hiccup I'll let you decide then." He seemed happy with that answer and continued on "I would like to begin training as soon as all preparations are made to fortify the castle." I was expecting that "absolutely Hiccup, but how long do you expect the preparations to take?" He thought on it for a moment "well in light of recent events, it should only take two weeks at the max to repair and fortify the walls. It will take roughly a month for the men to be ready. However, they will come back with enough knowledge to begin a special program in your military force. Now I realize a month is not a lot of time to train them up, but they will receive a basic knowledge of combat survival along with jump training, explosive training, basic firearm mastery, combat field medic, high altitude and deep sea training, and tactical planning and strategy." I nodded my head in full understanding "very well, I understand."

Once the conversation wrapped up everyone began to make their way out. Anna was idly chatting with Kristoff on the way to the door. Hiccup walked passed me on the way out when I grabbed his hand. "Hiccup wait." He stopped and turned around "what's wrong Elsa?" I pondered my next few words to figure how to word what I wanted to say. "Hiccup, was the man who took your leg right?" I could see his face fall and I hesitated to ask the next question. My hesitation gave him the opportunity to jump in. "Elsa, that's something I'm not ready to talk about, I'm sorry." I nodded, my questions left unanswered, but I let the topic drop anyway.

I changed the direction of the conversation "so what do you plan to do to my poor troops?" I noticed a look that said 'didn't I tell you this earlier' so I clarified for him. "I mean how do you plan to accomplish that goal?" "Well, I'm going to get in touch with high command and request a joint operation, since we are now dealing with an enemy of Interpol as well. Remember the team you saw earlier?" I nodded my head, "well they're on station because a source claimed that Pitch was operating in the region. Once the request is approved, and it will be, Kristoff, Toothless, and I will be taking the chosen men into the mountains for the month. In the meantime, the remaining members of my team, along with the guardians, will stay behind to act as your guard."

"Now if you'll excuse me Elsa, I have to go contact Eragon…" I stopped him for a moment "who is Eragon?" He responded quickly and didn't seem irritated that I cut him off, or at least didn't show it. "He's our Operational Specialist back stateside. He provides us with our intel and maintains communication with high command while we are in the field. Once again," he started, and I had to fight down my embarrassment. "I will contact Eragon and inform him of this developing situation. Till then Elsa I bid you farewell and a good evening." With his last words said he made his way out the door and a short way down the hall to his room. He casted me on last glance and a small smile before he retired for the night. For the first time in forever, sleep didn't come easy that night.

A/N: Ok, now that our inspection is over I can once again pick up my laptop and put thought to paper. Things will begin to pick up from this point on. I am about half way through my next chapter, so it shouldn't be too long on that one. I would also like all of my readers to check out the link below. It's a video made by a non-profit organization, The Warrior Project, trying to raise awareness toward the subject of suicide among service members. Each branch has its own song dedicated solely to them, and in the description is the goal that they are trying to reach. Anyway, till next time my faithful readers.

Link:

watch?v=MXeLfMO9q4c